Classic Masonry has completed an impressive landscaping feature as part of Sunderland City Council’s transformation of Riverside Park.
A series of nine paddlestone walls, with elegant coping stones, form the entrance to the park.
Classic Masonry was appointed by Esh Construction, principal contractor for Riverside Park, which will transform swathes of land spanning both sides of the River Wear into a new city centre park.
Situated at the heart of Riverside Sunderland, it is one of the UK’s largest urban regeneration projects and will breathe new life into the city’s former industrial heartland.
Covering 13.7 hectares of parkland and 5.3 hectares of river, Riverside Park, which comprises Galley’s Gill, Kingsley Gardens, Lambton Riverside and Wearmouth Riverside, is being delivered in several phases as the wider regeneration progresses.
With over thirty years of experience across all sectors of the construction industry, Classic Masonry offers a comprehensive range of services, including design development, stone sourcing and selection, cutting, profiling, carving and fabrication. It undertakes both new build masonry construction and restoration and conservation projects, which include cleaning, decontamination and facade consolidation. Its expertise spans both modern and historic environments.
Mike Moody, managing director at Classic Masonry, said: “We would like to thank Esh Construction for appointing us onto this project. It is wonderful to be involved in the transformation of Sunderland Riverside, an area which will be enjoyed by generations to come. We continue to leave a footprint in this area of the North East, defined by exemplary workmanship and quality products, having undertaken several landscaping projects in and around Sunderland city centre.
“For this project, the raw paddlestone material was dressed and fabricated in our workshop and we worked closely with Sunderland City Council and their architect, James Brewer from One Environments to interpret their vision in creating a unique and long-lasting landscaping project with beautiful natural stone.”
Esh Construction was appointed to deliver two key phases at Riverside Park, comprising the Southern Gateway and Kingsley Gardens. Situated between the Riverside multi-storey car park and new Eye Infirmary, the Southern Gateway will include a new park entrance, attractive landscaped spaces, ponds, and social areas designed to increase biodiversity and encourage public use, while Kingsley Gardens, will become a community-managed garden space featuring individual and communal plots.
Rod Milne, contracts manager at Esh Construction, said: “Esh is proud to play a leading role in the transformation of Kingsley Gardens and Southern Gateway at Riverside Park, a unique regeneration project for Sunderland and the wider region. Working alongside Classic Masonry, whose craftsmanship and attention to detail have helped deliver a truly distinctive entrance feature, we are investing in the future of Sunderland by prioritising local expertise and supply chains.
“This project is a testament to the collaboration between skilled specialists and the wider construction community, ensuring that the benefits of regeneration are felt locally – creating jobs, supporting businesses, and enhancing public spaces for generations to come.”
Cllr Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for housing, business and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see the entrance to Riverside Park finally taking shape ahead of its grand opening later this year.
“Sitting at the heart of Riverside Sunderland, the park will provide over 13 hectares of green spaces and public amenities that will be enjoyed by generations to come and the team at Classic Masonry have done a fantastic job to create an entrance which is befitting of such a landmark development.
“We are absolutely delighted with how the park is springing to life and are eagerly awaiting the day when we can finally welcome the public to witness it in its full glory.”